Felder Rushing
Family
Fagaceae
Botanical Name
QUERCUS agrifolia
Plant Common Name
California Live Oak
General Description
The gnarled, picturesque trunks and aged branches of the California live oak have interesting evergreen, holly-like foliage. It naturally resides along the coasts and foothills from Central California southward into Mexico. Its bark is smooth and gray but becomes darker and mildly furrowed with great age.
The leathery dark green leaves of California oak are oval to elliptical in shape with spiny teeth along the edges. They are evergreen but shed in abundance in spring before quickly being replaced. As the new leaves open, the male flowers appear. These greenish pendent catkins spread copious amount of pollen and are directly followed by the female flowers, which are tiny, red and found at the base of the young leaves. The fruits are pointy light brown acorns that mature late in the season.
Plant California live oak in average, well-drained soil that is acid to slightly alkaline. It is important to refrain from overwatered or fertilizing established trees as this can cause stress and decline. In summer the roots should be kept dry but the trees may appreciate supplemental irrigation during unseasonably dry winters. Sadly, this species is susceptible to the sudden oak death, so keep an eye out for symptoms like bleeding cankers on the trunk and branch dieback.
This elegant, picturesque tree has been in the backdrops of many classic Hollywood movies. It adopts its best looks if planted in open, windy areas where it can become large and sprawl. It naturally branches low, so street tree specimens must be limbed up for safe vehicle and pedestrian passage.
California wildlife also appreciate this oak. The acorns are eaten by small animals, and the leaves are important food for the larvae of California sister and duskywing butterflies.
To distinguish this oak from the similar canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis), note that the canyon oak's leaves are slightly smaller and its acorns have fuzzy golden caps.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 11
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Sunset Zone
7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
20'-70' / 6.1m - 21.3m (50)
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Width
40'-90' / 12.2m - 27.4m (70)
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Bloom Time
Early Spring
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Native To
United States, California, Mexico
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Red, Light Green
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Fruit Color
Tan, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
